A sandbox test system and method for a karst aquifer based on tracer-hydraulic tomography inversion, including a visual sandbox apparatus, a karst conduit, a water flow control apparatus, a horizontal well, a data acquisition apparatus, and a data processing apparatus. The visual sandbox apparatus forms a sand layer packing space. The karst conduit is buried in a sand layer. The water flow control apparatus is a constant water head storage tank. A back plate is provided with a horizontal well mounting hole and tracer adding hole. The horizontal well is mounted in each horizontal well mounting hole. A monitoring well is connected to a seepage pressure sensor or an electrical conductivity sensor. A water injection and pumping well is connected to a peristaltic pump. The electrical conductivity sensor, seepage pressure sensor, and peristaltic pump connect to the data acquisition apparatus. The data acquisition apparatus connects to the data processing apparatus.
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1. A sandbox test system for a karst aquifer based on tracer-hydraulic tomography inversion, the sandbox test system comprising: a visual sandbox apparatus including a back plate, a front plate, two porous water permeable plates, and a base, the back plate and the front plate being mounted on the base in a parallel manner; a water flow control apparatus including two constant water head storage tanks respectively mounted on a left side and a right side of the back plate and the front plate, one of the porous water permeable plates being mounted on the left-side constant water head storage tank, and between the back plate and the front plate, the other porous water permeable plate being mounted on the right-side constant water head storage tank, and between the back plate and the front plate, the back plate, the front plate, the porous water permeable plates, and the base define a sand layer packing space containing a sand layer; a karst conduit buried in the sand layer; a peristaltic pump; a plurality of horizontal wells; a data acquisition apparatus; and a data processing apparatus connected to the data acquisition apparatus, wherein: the two constant water head storage tanks are connected to a water supply apparatus that supplies water to the two constant water head storage tanks, so as to control water volumes of the two constant water head storage tanks; the front plate is provided with horizontal well mounting holes and tracer adding holes, the plurality of horizontal wells are respectively mounted in the horizontal well mounting holes, and at least one of the horizontal wells is used as a monitoring well, and at least one of the horizontal wells is used as a water injection and pumping well; and the water injection and pumping well is connected to the peristaltic pump, and the monitoring well is connected to a seepage pressure sensor or an electrical conductivity sensor, the electrical conductivity sensor and the peristaltic pump are connected to the data acquisition apparatus.
This system is designed for testing karst aquifers using tracer-hydraulic tomography inversion. Karst aquifers are complex underground water systems characterized by conduits and fractures, making them difficult to study. The system provides a controlled environment to simulate and analyze water flow and tracer movement within these aquifers. The system includes a visual sandbox apparatus with a back plate, front plate, two porous water-permeable plates, and a base. These components form a parallel structure that encloses a sand layer, simulating the porous medium of an aquifer. A karst conduit is embedded within this sand layer to mimic natural karst features. Two constant water head storage tanks are mounted on either side of the apparatus, connected to a water supply system that regulates water volume, ensuring consistent hydraulic conditions. The front plate contains horizontal well mounting holes and tracer injection holes. Multiple horizontal wells are installed, serving as monitoring wells or water injection/pumping wells. A peristaltic pump controls water flow through the injection/pumping wells, while monitoring wells are equipped with seepage pressure or electrical conductivity sensors to measure water movement and tracer concentration. Data from these sensors is collected by a data acquisition apparatus and processed by a data processing unit to analyze hydraulic and tracer behavior within the simulated aquifer. This setup allows researchers to study flow dynamics and contaminant transport in karst systems under controlled conditions.
2. The sandbox test system according to claim 1 , wherein: a bottom of each of the constant water head storage tanks is provided with a hole to be externally connected to an overflow tank, the overflow tank includes a first overflow tank and a second overflow tank, both an inlet of the first overflow tank and an inlet of the second overflow tank are connected to the water supply apparatus, and an outlet of the first overflow tank is connected to the left-wide constant water head storage tank, and an outlet of the second overflow tank is connected to the right-side constant water head storage tank.
This invention relates to a sandbox test system used for hydraulic or geotechnical experiments, particularly focusing on maintaining consistent water levels in storage tanks during testing. The system addresses the challenge of ensuring stable water head conditions in experimental setups, which is critical for accurate data collection in soil mechanics, erosion studies, or similar applications. The system includes multiple constant water head storage tanks, each with a hole at the bottom connected to an overflow tank system. The overflow tank system comprises a first and a second overflow tank, both receiving water from a shared water supply apparatus. The first overflow tank supplies water to a left-side constant water head storage tank, while the second overflow tank supplies water to a right-side constant water head storage tank. This configuration ensures that each storage tank maintains a precise and independent water level, preventing cross-contamination or interference between test setups. The overflow tanks regulate excess water, maintaining consistent hydraulic conditions in the storage tanks. This design is particularly useful in experiments requiring controlled water flow or pressure, such as soil erosion or seepage studies.
3. The sandbox test system according to claim 2 , wherein the first overflow tank is mounted on a first height adjustment apparatus and the second overflow tank is mounted on a second height adjustment apparatus.
A sandbox test system is used to simulate and analyze fluid dynamics in controlled environments, such as water treatment, hydraulic modeling, or civil engineering applications. The system includes a primary sandbox containing a test medium, such as sand or soil, and two overflow tanks that regulate fluid levels within the sandbox. The first overflow tank is mounted on a first height adjustment apparatus, allowing its elevation to be modified to control the fluid level in the sandbox. Similarly, the second overflow tank is mounted on a second height adjustment apparatus, enabling independent adjustment of its height. By adjusting the heights of these overflow tanks, the system can simulate different fluid flow conditions, such as varying water tables or drainage scenarios. This flexibility allows researchers to study the effects of fluid dynamics on the test medium under controlled and reproducible conditions. The height adjustment apparatuses may include mechanical, hydraulic, or motorized systems to precisely position the overflow tanks at desired elevations. This configuration ensures accurate and repeatable testing, making the system suitable for experimental and educational purposes in fluid mechanics and related fields.
4. The sandbox test system according to claim 1 , wherein: each horizontal well includes an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve that are open at both ends, the inner sleeve being mounted in the outer sleeve, and the two sleeves are connected; a side wall of the outer sleeve is provided with a plurality of water inlet holes, and a sand prevention mesh is adhered to an inner wall of the outer sleeve; and the outer sleeve is externally connected to a hose and the seepage pressure sensor.
This invention relates to a sandbox test system used for evaluating soil permeability and seepage characteristics in geological or civil engineering applications. The system addresses the need for accurate and controlled testing of soil samples under simulated conditions to assess their behavior under different pressure and flow scenarios. The system includes horizontal wells designed to simulate subsurface fluid flow. Each well consists of an inner sleeve and an outer sleeve, both open at both ends, with the inner sleeve mounted inside the outer sleeve. The two sleeves are connected to ensure structural integrity while allowing fluid movement. The outer sleeve features multiple water inlet holes along its side wall, enabling controlled water injection into the surrounding soil. A sand prevention mesh is adhered to the inner wall of the outer sleeve to prevent soil particles from entering the well, ensuring accurate test results. The outer sleeve is externally connected to a hose for water supply and a seepage pressure sensor to monitor pressure changes during testing. This setup allows for precise measurement of fluid flow and pressure distribution within the soil sample, providing valuable data for analyzing permeability and stability. The design ensures reliable and repeatable testing conditions, making it suitable for research and engineering applications.
5. The sandbox test system according to claim 1 , wherein the karst conduit includes three types: a branch conduit karst structure, a pool karst structure, and a waterfall karst structure.
This invention relates to a sandbox test system designed to simulate and study karst conduit systems, which are underground drainage pathways formed by the dissolution of soluble rocks like limestone. The system addresses the challenge of accurately modeling complex karst structures in a controlled laboratory environment, enabling researchers to analyze fluid flow, erosion, and other geological processes without field limitations. The sandbox test system includes a karst conduit with three distinct structural types: a branch conduit karst structure, a pool karst structure, and a waterfall karst structure. The branch conduit karst structure simulates interconnected underground channels that diverge and converge, mimicking natural branching patterns. The pool karst structure represents enlarged voids or chambers where water accumulates, while the waterfall karst structure models vertical drops or cascades within the conduit system. These structures are integrated into a sandbox environment, allowing for adjustable parameters such as water flow rate, sediment composition, and structural geometry to replicate real-world conditions. The system enables precise control over experimental variables, facilitating studies on karst development, groundwater movement, and environmental impacts. By incorporating these three karst conduit types, the system provides a versatile platform for research into diverse karst formations and their interactions with surrounding geological and hydrological systems.
6. The sandbox test system according to claim 1 , wherein a sand prevention mesh is adhered to one side of each of the porous water permeable plates.
A sandbox test system is designed to evaluate the performance of sand prevention meshes in controlling sand migration in porous water permeable plates. The system addresses the challenge of accurately testing sand prevention mechanisms under controlled conditions to ensure effective filtration and structural integrity. The system includes multiple porous water permeable plates, each with a sand prevention mesh adhered to one side. These plates allow water to pass through while blocking sand particles, simulating real-world conditions where sand ingress must be minimized. The sand prevention mesh is bonded to the plates to maintain stability and prevent detachment during testing. The system may also include a housing or frame to support the plates and facilitate controlled testing of sand retention efficiency. The porous plates and meshes are arranged to create a test environment where sand migration can be observed and measured, ensuring reliable performance data for sand control applications in industries such as oil and gas, water treatment, or construction. The system enables precise evaluation of mesh effectiveness in preventing sand from passing through the plates while allowing water permeability.
7. The sandbox test system according to claim 1 , wherein both the front plate and the back plate are organic glass plates.
A sandbox test system is designed for evaluating the performance and durability of materials, components, or devices under controlled environmental conditions. The system includes a test chamber with a front plate and a back plate that enclose the test environment. The front plate allows observation and interaction with the test subject, while the back plate provides structural support and containment. The system may include additional features such as sensors, actuators, or environmental control mechanisms to simulate real-world conditions. In this specific configuration, both the front and back plates are made of organic glass, which offers high transparency, durability, and resistance to environmental factors. Organic glass, typically a type of acrylic or polycarbonate, provides optical clarity for visual inspection while maintaining structural integrity under varying test conditions. This material choice ensures that the test environment remains isolated while allowing real-time monitoring of the test subject. The use of organic glass plates enhances visibility and reduces optical distortion, which is critical for accurate data collection and analysis. The system may also include sealing mechanisms to prevent contamination or leakage, ensuring reliable test results. This design is particularly useful in applications where optical transparency and environmental control are essential, such as material testing, component validation, or scientific research.
8. A method for simulating a natural flow and solute migration of an unconfined aquifer based on the sandbox test system according to claim 1 , the method comprising the following steps: 1) sieving testing sand according to required particle sizes and a required combination of the particle sizes; 2) pre-fabricating a heterogeneous sand layer and the karst conduit, and hierarchically performing filling and compaction; 3) sequentially mounting the horizontal wells and performing coring, connecting the monitoring well to the seepage pressure sensor or the electrical conductivity sensor, and connecting the water injection and pumping well to the peristaltic pump, water leakage prevention measures being required at joints; 4) connecting the seepage pressure sensor, the electrical conductivity sensor, and the peristaltic pump to the data acquisition apparatus, connecting the data acquisition apparatus to the data processing apparatus, switching on a water source to supply water to the overflow tanks and performing water leakage check; 5) adjusting a height of the overflow tanks to ensure a steady water head on a boundary, setting a boundary condition determined by a working condition, calibrating the seepage pressure sensor and the electrical conductivity sensor, and debugging the peristaltic pump; adjusting the peristaltic pump to control a water injection and pumping speed, turning on the seepage pressure sensor or the electrical conductivity sensor before the peristaltic pump operates, and monitoring and collecting water head data in advance, to obtain an initial water head at a pumping port; and pumping at the horizontal wells during the test, simultaneously starting head monitoring to record an instantaneous water head change, turning on the peristaltic pump, then turning off the peristaltic pump once a steady flow state is reached, and monitoring and collecting water head recovery data; 6) adjusting water heads on two sides to form a particular water head difference, putting a tracer at a leftmost port, and monitoring electrical conductivity in a middle and on a right side of the sandbox apparatus; and 7) recording and detecting dynamic changes of data through a central processing unit, and forming a graph in real time, analyzing a test result, and finally conducting a karst structure inversion analysis with reference to program development.
This invention relates to a method for simulating natural flow and solute migration in an unconfined aquifer using a sandbox test system. The method addresses the challenge of accurately modeling groundwater flow and contaminant transport in karst aquifers, which are complex due to their heterogeneous structure and conduit networks. The approach involves constructing a physical sandbox model to replicate real-world conditions and monitor key parameters during testing. The method begins by preparing testing sand with specific particle sizes and combinations, then fabricating a heterogeneous sand layer and karst conduits. These are filled and compacted hierarchically to mimic natural aquifer structures. Horizontal wells are installed, and monitoring wells are connected to sensors for measuring seepage pressure and electrical conductivity. Water injection and pumping wells are linked to peristaltic pumps, with leak prevention measures applied at all joints. The system is then connected to data acquisition and processing apparatuses. Water is supplied to overflow tanks, and a leakage check is performed. The water head is adjusted to maintain steady boundary conditions, and sensors are calibrated. The peristaltic pump controls water injection and pumping rates, while sensors monitor water head changes before, during, and after pumping. Once a steady flow state is reached, the pump is turned off, and water head recovery data is collected. For solute migration testing, a water head difference is created, and a tracer is introduced at one end. Electrical conductivity is monitored at multiple points to track tracer movement. Data is recorded and analyzed in real time, with dynamic changes visualized graphically. The results are used to analyze flow patterns and conduct karst
9. The method according to claim 8 , wherein specific settings are made according to different aquifer status and boundary conditions, steps (1) to (3) are repeated to control a flowmeter and well status, steps (4) to (6) are repeated, and a practical project is guided according to different results obtained in step (7).
This invention relates to adaptive groundwater management systems that optimize flowmeter control and well operations based on varying aquifer conditions and boundary constraints. The method addresses the challenge of dynamically adjusting groundwater extraction or injection processes to maintain sustainable yields while accounting for real-time changes in aquifer properties, such as permeability, recharge rates, and boundary conditions like nearby water bodies or geological formations. The process involves an iterative approach where initial settings are established for flowmeter operation and well status based on current aquifer conditions. These settings are then applied, and the system monitors the resulting groundwater flow and pressure responses. Data from these measurements is analyzed to assess the effectiveness of the current settings. If the results indicate suboptimal performance, the settings are adjusted, and the process is repeated until desired outcomes are achieved. The method guides practical projects by adapting to different results, ensuring efficient and sustainable groundwater management under varying environmental and operational constraints. This adaptive control loop allows for real-time optimization of groundwater extraction or injection rates while preventing overuse or depletion of the aquifer. The system can be applied in various groundwater management scenarios, including agricultural irrigation, municipal water supply, and environmental remediation.
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October 17, 2019
February 1, 2022
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